On the choice of tactile code

Tactile codes and devices are widely used in virtual reality, robotics, and telemanipulation by blind and sighted people. Based upon the Braille code, we provide a rigorous analysis of tactile spatial codes, and propose a code that is improved in the information theoretical sense. Based upon the criterion of a minimum average code word weight, we derive a code that provides improved reliability and longer lifetime of tactile devices. Such an approach can be also employed for robot hands, and tactile feedback in virtual reality and dextrous telemanipulation.

[1]  Kenneth J. Kokjer,et al.  The Information Capacity of the Human Fingertip , 1987, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics.

[2]  Robert Rohling,et al.  Optimized fingertip mapping for teleoperation of dextrous robot hands , 1993, [1993] Proceedings IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation.

[3]  W.J. Tompkins,et al.  Electrotactile and vibrotactile displays for sensory substitution systems , 1991, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering.

[4]  C B Novak,et al.  Development of a new measure of fine sensory function. , 1993, Plastic and reconstructive surgery.

[5]  Shuichi Ino,et al.  A basic study on the tactile display for tele-presence , 1992, [1992] Proceedings IEEE International Workshop on Robot and Human Communication.

[6]  Mark R. Cutkosky,et al.  Contact transition control with semiactive soft fingertips , 1995, IEEE Trans. Robotics Autom..

[7]  Peter Johnson,et al.  Human computer interaction: Psychology, task analysis, and software engineering , 1992 .

[8]  Chikamune Wada,et al.  Proposal of a new tactile display method of speech signals as a nonverbal communication for the profoundly hearing impaired , 1994, Proceedings of 1994 3rd IEEE International Workshop on Robot and Human Communication.